**The definitive *Friends* history that explores all aspects of the classic hit television show ( *Entertainment Weekly* ).** Today, *Friends* is remembered as an icon of ’90s comedy and the Must See TV years. But when the series debuted in 1994, no one anticipated the sensation it would become. From the first wave of *Friends* mania to the backlash and renaissance that followed, the show maintained an uncanny connection to its audience, who saw it both as a reflection of their own lives and an aspirational escape from reality. In the years since, *Friends* has evolved from prime-time megahit to nostalgic novelty, and finally, to certified classic. Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe have entered the pantheon of great television characters, and yet their stories remain relevant still. *I’ll Be There for You* is a deep dive into *Friends* history and lore, exploring all aspects of the show, from its unlikely origins to the societal conditions that amplified its success. Journalist and pop culture expert Kelsey Miller relives the show’s most powerful moments, sheds light on its sometimes dated and problematic elements, and examines the worldwide trends that *Friends* catalyzed, from contemporary coffee culture to the wildly popular ’90s haircut The Rachel. Taking readers behind the scenes, Miller traces the cast’s rise to fame and untangles the complex relationship between the actors and their characters. Weaving in revelatory interviews and personal stories, she investigates the role of celebrity media, world-changing events and the dawning of the digital age–all of which influenced both the series and its viewers. *I’ll Be There for You* is the definitive retrospective of *Friends* , not only for fans of the series, but for anyone who’s ever wondered what it is about this show–and television comedy–that resonates so powerfully. **Praise for *I’ll Be There for You*** Deeply reported and brimming with delicious insight . . . a nostalgic, thrilling and bittersweet journey behind the scenes of a TV show that captured the fleeting moment in our lives when friends became family. –Erin Carlson, author of *I’ll Have What She’s Having: How Nora Ephron’s Three Iconic Films Saved the Romantic Comedy* Miller not only gives all the fascinating backstory on how such a seminal and popular show made it to air, but answers the question that’s been following me for years: how is this show *still* so popular? *I’ll Be There for You* isn’t just about *Friends* –it’s about the specific void that *Friends* has filled in so many people’s everyday lives. –Anne Helen Petersen, culture writer at *BuzzFeed* and author of *Too Fat, Too Slutty, Too Loud*